AMA Survey Finds Managers and Employees Split on Engagement as AI Use Grows

American Management Association said in a press release that 62% of managers reported increased engagement during the past 12 months. By comparison, 51% of employees said their managers' engagement remained constant, while 20% said it decreased.

The survey covered 1,088 professionals across seven global regions. Employees reported a 63% increase in the urgency of AI adoption compared with AMA's 2025 findings. Among managers, 41% said AI increased expectations for how much work employees should complete, while 31% said it changed the tasks they delegate.

Across all respondents, 36% use AI for routine or administrative work and 36% spend more time reviewing AI output. Employees most often identified regular communication, clear direction, listening, coaching and support for professional development as signs of manager engagement. The report recommends measuring both visible management activities and less visible work such as planning, judgment and decision making.